2. speakers
  3. 181877-175576

REL Carbon Special Subwoofers or the REL G1 Gibraltar Reference Subwoo

Hi Everyone-Im looking to buy 2 subwoofers for my 2 channel stereo. Ive got the Aurender A30, Mark Levinson N53 amps N526 preamp and the Wilson Benesch Resolution 3Zero Speakers. I have all Clarus cables, power cords and power conditioners. They were all purchased used on Audiogon except for the Clarus. I’ve never had subwoofers in a 2 channel rig before just in my HT. Reading the forums here I have been seeing subwoofers being dicussed a bunch of times and has peeked my interest. My main speakers aren’t giving me enough base so I have decided to purchase either the Rel G1Gibraltar or Rel Carbon Special Subwoofers. I’d like to hear some comments on these two subwoofers or if you have any other subs you think I should be looking at.

Thanks,

David

 

 

 

David

fleetowner123
jymc
94 posts
 

ricred1
How does a passive radiator "drive you crazy?  Was the Carbon Special dialed in correctly?  I've never heard a G31 or G32 in my system.  I've only used 2 REL Carbon Limiteds with TAD CR1 tx speakers powered by Ayre MXR Twenty monos.   My problem is I would only have the physical space for 1, of either the G31 or G32.  According to your assessment, the 2 Carbon Specials fell far short..  What first hand detail can you share with me comparing  the G31 or G32 against a dual Carbon Special set-up.?  (Lastly, I've talked with sales guys but always felt they were just trying to make an easy sale because they know my pockets go deep..)

kennyc
1,652 posts
 

I’m interested in the Carbon as well.

rooze's avatar
rooze
643 posts
 

I own a pair of Carbon Specials and they sound fantastic. I've used them with multiple pairs of speakers, fullrange, bookshelf, fullrange drivers, open baffles, and I've never 'heard the passive radiator'!! I don't even know what that means. If you set them up properly you won't hear the subs they disappear and just add a solid foundation to the music. 

They are not perfect, however. I find the dials for gain and crossover to be too course and you can't 'feel' the notches when you're changing the dial positions. They could be easier to use, but sound great. I did a video on YouTube with some setup tips and also some pros and cons. 

 

More to discover